What Is the Best Portable Sewing Machine?

Portable sewing machines are ideal for taking on vacation, providing peace of mind that you can deal with any last minute fashion snafus.

They are also a good option for young people going off to college, as most portable sewing machines will fit easily and tidily into a dorm room.

And finally, if you’re taking sewing classes, a portable sewing machine in a roll-along case is the ideal option for ensuring you can be tutored on the machine you’ll be using every day.

It is important to note, however, that, in most cases, portable sewing machines, being significantly smaller than regular models are only really suitable for thin fabric and occasional use, such as for repairs, etc.

Top Five Portable Sewing Machines – Reviews

#5: Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway with Carry Case

This is a full-size sewing machine, with all the functionality you’d expect, including 67 built in stitches, 70 built in embroidery designs, computer connectivity, and a brightly-lit LED workspace.

It also comes with a sturdy, roll-along carry case, making this the ideal machine to take to classes, or pack in the trunk for vacation sewing.

The bright workspace is ideal for those whose eyesight isn’t what it was, while the LCD touch screen makes this sewing machine easy to use.

However, the embroidery hoop area is set at 4”x4”, meaning it is not possible to use this machine for larger designs.

Also, setting up the machine is not an intuitive process, especially for novices.

Being a full-size, regular sewing machine, this is also expensive, and somewhat heavy and bulky.

Pros:

Roll-along carry case for portability

LED-lit workspace

Touch screen operation

Full size machine

Cons:

Heavy and bulky

Expensive

Value For Money?

While the roll-along carry case does make this a portable sewing machine in the broad sense, it may not be what people are actually looking for from a portable sewing machine, in which case the relatively high purchase price may not prove worth it.

You couldn’t, for example, throw this in your purse in case your pants ripped during a night out.

#4: FlatLED Sewing Machine Mini Portable

This is a two speed, battery (4 x 1.5v AA) portable sewing machine, which can also be operated by 6v DC power.

It comes with a full range of accessories, and is easy to use.

However, being a very small – and very cheap – sewing machine, it is only intended to handle occasional, lightweight sewing jobs, and is not suitable for most regular sewing work.

It is also difficult to use for those whose hands are affected by arthritis or similar conditions.

Pros:

Affordable

Accessories included

Cons:

Light, occasional sewing needs only

Not suitable for those with arthritis in their hands, or similar conditions

Value For Money?

If you simply want the reassurance of knowing you can replace a button or quickly repair a small tear whilst out and about, this could be the machine for you, as long as you don’t expect too much more from it.